Cyclone Ditwah Devastates Sri Lanka, India Rushes Aid Amid Rising Death Toll

Sri Lanka is grappling with the severe aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which has unleashed widespread floods and landslides across the island nation. The disaster has tragically claimed over 200 lives, with the Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reporting 212 fatalities and 218 people still missing as of Sunday, November 30, 2025. Nearly a million people have been affected by the extreme weather conditions.

In response to the escalating crisis, India has launched "Operation Sagar Bandhu," deploying extensive rescue teams and humanitarian aid to assist its maritime neighbor. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed India's commitment to its "Neighbourhood First" policy, emphasizing rapid support for Sri Lanka. This operation involves both air and naval assets, delivering crucial relief materials and personnel.

The cyclone, which made landfall around November 27, has caused extensive damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and housing, displacing hundreds of thousands of people. Over 20,000 homes have been destroyed, and 122,000 individuals are now sheltered in temporary government facilities, according to the DMC. An additional 833,000 people require assistance after being displaced by the floods.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency to accelerate relief and rescue operations, appealing for international assistance. The government has also invited overseas Sri Lankans and foreign nationals to contribute to a dedicated disaster relief fund. This highlights the severe and urgent need for collective support in the face of such devastation.

Meanwhile, the cyclone's trajectory has placed parts of South India on high alert, with heavy rainfall and potential thunderstorms anticipated. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for several districts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, cautioning residents about the impending weather. Three people have already died in rain-related incidents in Tamil Nadu.

Indian Air Force (IAF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are actively engaged in rescue missions in Sri Lanka, evacuating stranded individuals and airlifting critical casualties. The Indian High Commission in Colombo is also facilitating the return of stranded Indian nationals, arranging evacuation flights from the affected region. This coordinated effort underscores the urgency of the humanitarian situation.

The widespread floods have inundated parts of Sri Lanka's capital, Colombo, with the Kelani River experiencing rapidly rising water levels. Even as the cyclone moves away, the indirect impact of heavy rains and potential landslides continues to pose significant risks across the island, as noted by Athula Karunanayake, Director General of the Department of Meteorology.

• Background and Historical Context of Disasters in Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka is highly susceptible to natural disasters, particularly cyclones, floods, and landslides, due to its geographical location and monsoon patterns. The current Cyclone Ditwah is considered the deadliest natural disaster for the country since 2017, when similar events claimed over 200 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands, according to The Guardian. The worst flooding in recent history occurred in June 2003, resulting in 254 fatalities. These recurring events underscore the island nation's vulnerability and the critical need for robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.

• Details of India's "Operation Sagar Bandhu": India's humanitarian assistance under "Operation Sagar Bandhu" has been comprehensive and swift. The mission, guided by India's "Neighbourhood First" policy, involved the deployment of two urban search and rescue teams comprising 80 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel and four trained canines. The Indian Air Force (IAF) utilized C-130J and IL-76 transport aircraft to deliver approximately 27 tonnes of relief material, including tents, blankets, hygiene kits, and ready-to-eat food items. Additionally, Indian Naval Ships INS Vikrant and INS Udaigiri provided 4.5 tonnes of dry rations and 2 tonnes of fresh rations, while INS Sukanya is also en route with more aid.

• Economic and Social Implications for Sri Lanka: The devastation wrought by Cyclone Ditwah carries significant economic and social implications for Sri Lanka. With over 20,000 homes destroyed and nearly a million people affected, the cost of reconstruction and rehabilitation will be substantial. The disruption to essential services like electricity and water, affecting about a third of the country, further compounds the crisis, impacting daily life and economic activity. The loss of livelihoods, particularly in agricultural areas, will have long-term consequences for affected communities, as reported by DD News On Air.

• International Response and Solidarity: Beyond India's significant contributions, other nations and organizations are also extending support to Sri Lanka. Pakistan has sent rescue teams to assist in relief efforts, as reported by economynext. The Government of Japan has dispatched an assessment team through JICA and pledged emergency relief goods, including tents and blankets, demonstrating international solidarity. The Maldives has also committed financial support of USD 50,000 and a donation of 25,000 cases of tuna cans, reflecting strong regional ties.

• Impact on South India and Preparedness Measures: As Cyclone Ditwah moves northward, its impact is extending to South India, particularly Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas for these coastal regions. In response, the NDRF has positioned five teams from its 6th Battalion in Chennai, equipped with specialized gear for flood water rescue and collapsed structure search. State governments have declared holidays for schools and colleges in affected districts and are urging fishermen to avoid going to sea, as reported by The Hindu.

• Challenges in Rescue and Relief Operations: Rescue and relief operations in Sri Lanka face considerable challenges due to the widespread nature of the damage. Landslides have blocked roads, and communication networks are disrupted in many areas, making it difficult to reach affected populations. The Sri Lankan Army and Navy are actively involved, but the scale of the disaster requires sustained effort. The rising water levels in major rivers like the Kelani and Mahaweli continue to pose flood risks, even as the cyclone itself has moved away, according to DD News On Air.

• Future Developments and Recovery Efforts: Sri Lanka's President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared a state of emergency and appealed for international aid to support recovery efforts. The government has allocated 30 billion rupees (approximately 100 million USD) in the 2025 national budget for emergency needs, as reported by Xinhua. Efforts are underway to document infrastructure damage, and restoration work by the tri-forces will commence once the situation stabilizes. The Sri Lanka Red Cross Society has also activated emergency response operations, deploying teams to provide first aid and distribute relief items.